How does unemployment payments work with NYS Department of Labor - confused about the whole process
I just got laid off from my restaurant job last week and I'm completely lost about how unemployment payments actually work. I keep hearing different things from coworkers about weekly claims and job search requirements but nobody can give me a straight answer. Do I get paid automatically once I file my initial claim? How much will I get? And what's all this stuff about having to prove I'm looking for work? I've never dealt with NYS Department of Labor before and their website is confusing. Can someone explain this like I'm five?
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Grant Vikers
The unemployment payment process has several steps. First, you file your initial claim with NYS Department of Labor which determines your weekly benefit amount based on your past wages. Then you must file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and actively searching for work. Payments typically come 2-3 business days after filing your weekly claim, assuming there are no issues with your claim status.
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Amaya Watson
•So I have to file something every single week? What happens if I miss a week?
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Giovanni Martello
Don't stress too much! I was in the same boat when I got laid off from my retail job. You'll need to keep a job search log showing you're applying for work - usually 3 jobs per week minimum. The weekly filing becomes routine, just set a reminder on your phone for the same day each week. Your benefit amount will be roughly half your average weekly wage up to the state maximum.
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Amaya Watson
•Half my wages? That's not going to cover my rent. Is there any way to get more?
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Giovanni Martello
•Unfortunately no, that's the standard formula. But it's better than nothing while you look for new work!
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Savannah Weiner
been getting unemployment for 2 months now, its pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. biggest thing is dont lie about anything or you'll get in trouble with adjudication
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Levi Parker
The NYS Department of Labor phone system is absolutely terrible when you have questions about your payments. I spent hours trying to get through to someone when my claim got stuck in adjudication. If you run into issues reaching them, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration!
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Libby Hassan
•Never heard of that before but might be worth checking out if the phone lines are really that bad
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Amaya Watson
•Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind if I have trouble getting through to them.
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Hunter Hampton
The whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible to actually get your money. They'll find any excuse to delay or deny your claim. Make sure you document EVERYTHING because they'll question every little detail. And don't even get me started on the job search requirements - it's like they want you to waste time applying for jobs you're not qualified for just to meet their arbitrary quotas.
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Grant Vikers
•While the system can be frustrating, following the requirements properly usually results in timely payments. The job search requirement exists to encourage active employment seeking.
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Sofia Peña
same thing happened to me when the restaurant i worked at closed down permanently. took me a few tries to understand the weekly certification process but now its automatic. just remember to answer all the questions honestly about any work you did that week even if its just a few hours
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